NEW BRITAIN REPUBLICANS ANNOUNCE 2015 CANDIDATES FOR COMMON COUNCIL IN WARD 2 AND CITY TREASURER
NEW BRITAIN — The 2015 candidates running on the Republican line for Common Council in Ward 2 will be newcomers Jerrell Hargraves and Kristian Rosado.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have Jerrell Hargraves and Kristian Rosado on the slate for Common Council in Ward 2,” said Mayor Erin E. Stewart. “They are deeply involved in our community and this is a great way for them to take their service to the next level. Jerrell has done so much for New Britain’s youth through his work with Parks & Rec and the school district, as well as being a volunteer basketball coach for the past 10 years. As a Reverend at the Calvary Christian Center, Kristian Rosado’s daily mission is to serve the needs of our community. He brings a level of passion and energy to everything he does – something we need on the Common Council.”
“Jerrell, a registered Democrat, and Kristian, a registered Unaffiliated, are both committed to finding bipartisan solutions to the issues we face,” the Mayor continued. “At ages 25 and 33, respectively, they are part of New Britain’s new generation of leadership and I look forward to having them on the Council.”
Said Jerrell Hargraves, “I am excited to help build a better tomorrow for my hometown. We need fresh ideas on the Common Council and we need leaders who will truly represent their neighbors and not engage in the same old partisan politics of the past. I want to find ways to attract new businesses and alleviate the burden on our taxpayers. A big part of that will be leveraging further transit-oriented development assistance from the state to develop areas in the East End around CTFastrak.”
“I believe that my unique blend of experiences in serving people in various fields, as well as my problem solving ability and deep concern for our community will help me be a good Alderman,” said Kristian Rosado. “I love this City, I love our diversity and uniqueness, and I love our people. The spirit of service that God and my parents instilled in me compels me to stand up for what is right for all residents. I believe that Mayor Stewart has New Britain heading in the right direction and I look forward to advocating for ideas and policies that will foster long-term sustainable growth.”
Certified Public Accountant Mark DeGrandis will be making a second run at City Treasurer, after coming close as the Republican nominee in 2013.
“Typically, people don’t pay a lot of attention to the office of City Treasurer, but in 2013, Mark ran a spirited campaign in his first run for political office,” said Mayor Stewart. “As a certified public accountant, Mark is a financial professional who will bring significant – and necessary – experience to the position. His service on the Board of Finance and Taxation over the past two years has been critical in helping us bring the City’s finances back to structural balance.”
“As a lifelong resident of New Britain, I care deeply about this City, its residents and our future,” said DeGrandis. “I have worked in accounting for over 10 years, as well as an audit consultant within a corporate finance department. While there are many things that are beyond the control of the City Treasurer, I will work tirelessly to ensure that decisions made with respect to bonding and financial issues are given the scrutiny they deserve, in light of the City’s ongoing financial constraints. I truly look forward to running on a winning ticket, led by Mayor Stewart.”
